Winter means it's time for an ice fishing safety reminder

While most people are currently griping about the cold weather, there's a passionate group of winter lovers who live for this very time of year. Why, you ask? Well that's because it's ice fishing season. Our Canadian winters are here to stay and many anglers take to the ice to scratch that itch for fishing during the cold months. Ice fishing provides the opportunity for anglers to walk on water and potentially access locations that are normally only accessible from a watercraft during the open water season. Like any type of activity on the water, safety has to be the top priority. If you're thinking of hitting the ice this season, make sure you're following the steps below to ensure a safe season on the ice.

Check the ice first. I repeat: check the ice first. Year after year, sadly there are incidents of people breaking through, and not all are fortunate enough to make it home at the end of the day. Ice thickness varies everywhere. Just because one lake has sufficient ice does not mean that all ice is safe. Ice thickness can vary not only from lake to lake, but also within the same body of water, due to factors such as current, natural springs and water depth. Larger, deeper waters typically take longer to freeze whereas stagnant, protected areas will typically freeze quicker. The best way to ensure safety while navigating any body of water is to check the ice before stepping on it. This can be done with a tool called a spud bar (also known as an ice chisel). This heavy, long metal bar has a tapered sharp edge that can be used to forcefully strike the ice a step ahead. It should take several forceful strikes for the spud to break through, if it does at all. The best method is to check first with the spud, and then drill holes with an auger to verify thickness.

Make a plan. Check the weather, decide where you're going and always ensure you let someone know the game plan. Try not to head out on the ice alone.

Dress appropriately. This is certainly a given when spending any time outdoors in the winter. Starting from the feet up: a good pair of waterproof winter boots makes for a more comfortable day. With the rise and drop of temperatures throughout the winter, slush and even water can form on top of the ice. Moisture-wicking socks with wool socks over top will keep your feet dry and happy all day inside your boots. Another very handy item to bring along is a pair of cleats. It's a given that it gets slippery out there, but not having traction can be dangerous when drilling holes or when walking around.

Survival suits (flotation suits) are recommended for the ice and cold water fishing in general. Not only will they keep you warm, but in the event of breaking through the ice, they'll help keep you afloat. The best method for warmth underneath the suits is using the layering system: a base moisture-management layer, insulator layer, and then a soft-shell weatherproof layer. I will wear my flotation suit over top of the layers, and then once I'm ready to set up my shelter, I'll hunker down inside with a heater and remove my jacket. Gloves, a fleece-lined tuque (to cover the ears), and then a fleece-lined neck tube will keep the wind from creeping down your jacket. If it's very cold and windy, I'll sometimes wear a pair of snowboarding goggles while making the trek out onto the ice.

Ice spikes (or picks) are another crucial item that you'll be glad you have if you end up needing them. They're designed to be worn on the front of the body within quick reach if needed to pull oneself out of the water. The sharp spike on each end provides grip on the slippery surface.

Shelter and warmth is nice. While not a necessity, having a place to warm up and get out of the wind is very helpful on the frigid days. There are a wide variety of ice shelters available on the market at various price points. Propane heaters are popular inside the ice shelters but please ensure you have ventilation.